Eels 26 Bulldogs 12
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PARRAMATTA are still alive. Just.
The Eels had a major scare against the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium last night before finally prevailing to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
The Bulldogs skipped out to a shock 12-6 half-time lead to raise hopes of avoiding the spoon and effectively ending the premiership hopes of their arch-rivals.
But the Eels clawed their way back to earn an ugly, 26-12 win, which keeps them within striking distance of the top eight.
On paper, the outcome appeared a formality. The Bulldogs have endured a miserable season - no Sonny Bill Williams, no major sponsor and seemingly no hope against opponents aiming for three straight wins.
But one of the biggest upsets of the season appeared a possibility against a lethargic Eels side that had everything to play for.
The home side led until the 53rd minute, but conceded two converted tries and a penalty goal in a horror seven-minute period to let the Eels off the hook.
There was good and bad news for the Bulldogs. They have a genuine find in debutant Jamal Idris, the 18-year-old high school student who turned his back on a promising track and field career to play rugby league.
Another plus is that their only rivals for the wooden spoon, North Queensland, lost last night, meaning they are two points clear of the dreaded utensil. However, they are likely to lose Brad Morrin for an extended period.
Last night was a historic one at ANZ Stadium when the NRL staged its first double-header in five years, but the Bulldogs notched a more dubious milestone only 10 minutes into the match.
Eels winger Taulima Tatai crossed in the right-hand corner to hand the Eels the lead and the opposition an unwanted record - worst Bulldogs defensive side ever. The touchdown brought up the 672nd point they have conceded this year, the most in the club's 73-year history.
Afterwards, Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes predicted the Eels could make an impact in the semi-finals - if they get there.
"I don't know if they can make the finals, but if they did, they certainly have the talent," he said.
"If they click, they can score a lot of points. They have a lot of ball-runners in their side.
"Brett Finch is obviously an Origin halfback and they've got him steering them around. If they get there, they could certainly upset some of the higher clubs."
Eels forward Nathan Hindmarsh agreed. "If we make the semi-finals, we're going to give teams a scare," he said.
"We enjoy playing sides that nobody gives us a chance against, even if that happens to be Manly or Melbourne."
